The early morning chill clung to the air as Dain Aetos rounded the corner near the dormitory at Basgiath War College, his mind still spinning from the argument with Violet the day before. Her words, sharp and unyielding, echoed in his head, making him question everything.

He nearly collided with someone heading toward the main path. “Alex,” Dain said, stopping short.

Alexander Quinton Sorrengail glanced at him, his violet eyes cool and unreadable. “Dain.” His tone was polite but distant, a clear shift from the easygoing conversations they used to share.

“I—” Dain hesitated, adjusting the strap of his satchel. “I wanted to check on Violet. She seemed upset yesterday.”

Alex’s expression didn’t waver. “She has every right to be.”

Dain frowned, frustration flickering across his face. “I was trying to protect her—”

“She doesn’t need protection, Dain.” Alex’s voice was calm but firm, a quiet strength in his words. “What she needs is for people to trust her.”

The silence between them was heavy before Alex finally broke it. “You should get to class. You don’t want to be late.”

“Alex, I—”

“Just… think about what I said.” Alex turned and walked away, his posture straight, his steps deliberate. Dain watched him go, the weight of his words sinking in as he started toward his own class.